PXI 8196 connection problem: plugin not installed

[Eric_EKOS]

Hello NI:

The host PC interacting with our PXI 8196 (1052 chassis) recently had a hard drive failure, and I have had to reinstall all of our LabVIEW software and custom VIs on a new computer. The software is up and running, but I am having problems with connectivity to the PXI. The PXI is recognized in MAX, and everything is accessible (scales for our load cells, etc etc). But when I open up my labview VI project, I cannot connect to the PXI. It has a yellow triangle with an exclamation point next to it, and when I right click, the error message says that the plug-in is not installed. I have one CD that seems to have PXI drivers on it, but after installing, I had the same problem.

I was not the one who originally connected this system, and I am having trouble finding the documentation to get me back up and running. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Eric

[KateB]

Can you attached the screenshot showing the problems?

[USBarnes]

Eric,

Are you able to run a self-test or the appropriate test panels or soft front panels for the device(s) in question? You mention that the PXI chassis is recognized, but do the modules in the chassis show up underneath the chassis in MAX? As KateB mentioned, some screenshots will be useful to better understand exactly what you're seeing on your end. Just to be sure, you will need PXI Platform Services. After you install these, make sure that you restart your computer. Also be sure that you are booting in the proper order: first the chassis, then the host computer. Also, does the yellow exclamation point show up in MAX, Windows Device Manager, or in your LabVIEW project? If it's in Device Manager, right-click the device and select Update Driver Software and search automatically. A follow up question is, what modules are you using in your chassis and do you have the appropriate drivers for them? If you give me a list, I can tell you which drivers you will need. That's all I can think of for now. Thanks, Eric!

[Eric_EKOS]

Thanks Robert. I will post screenshots and an update later today!

[Eric_EKOS]

So I have attached a screenshot from MAX showing all my devices and modules. Through MAX, I am able to access test panels for my modules (like the 6259 DAQ board) as well as the custom scales I have previously set up for the 9 load cells we use. The other screenshot shows where the issue still lies... when opening my LabVIEW project. 

When re-installing all the software, I do not remember seeing anything titled "PXI Platform Services". Will all of the MAX connections work without Platform Services? If not, can you direct me to the correct download? We are using Windows XP and LabVIEW 8.2. 

Also, I do not see the PXI or anything from NI in the Windows Device Manager. Again, maybe this is because the above Platform Services are not installed?

Thanks for your help!

Eric

[USBarnes]

Eric,

Installing PXI Platform Services, if you don't already have it, is a good first step. You can check this under the software section in MAX.

[Eric_EKOS]

Hi Robert

Just confirming that I have installed PXI Platform Services 3.2.3, and it shows up in the MAX software list. This also included MAX version 5.4.0. I'm still seeing all of PXI hardware and software, and can access test panels. But I'm having the same problem with the LabVIEW project (plug-in not installed... see previous screenshot). 

Do I need to upload something to the PXI so this particular project will recognize the PXI? I'm pretty stuck here. 

Thanks again

Eric

[USBarnes]

Eric,

Is your 8196 controller running the Real-Time Operating System? If so, you may be missing the Real-Time Module. Let me know what you think. Thanks!

[Eric_EKOS]

Robert

Yes, the 8196 is running the RT operating system. Nothing has changed on the PXI controller since the hard drive failure of the host computer. Do you think it's still worth trying to re-upload the RT Module? If so, is there a manual online to help me with this?

Eric

[Eric_EKOS · Accepted solution]

So I resolved my issue with the help of my local applications engineer. He pointed me towards making sure the software on the PXI was synced with the host via the MAX add/remove software menu. I noticed that the RT software version on my Host was earlier than the version on the PXI. Not sure why this happened, as I had previously installed the most up to date version. Maybe it got over written in my flurry of installations. So I reinstalled the 8.2 RT module on the host, and now everything works. Thanks for your time, Robert.